HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Charity number: 1124266
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Contents
Page number
| 1 – 6 Trustees’ Annual Report |
1 – 6 Trustees’ Annual Report |
|---|---|
| 7 Independent Examiner’s Report |
|
| 8 Statement of Financial Activities |
|
| 9 Balance Sheet |
|
| 10 – 13 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
Page: 2
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and the financial statements of the church for the period ended 31st March, 2023
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Registered charity name: Hope Church South Bedfordshire Trust
Charity registration number: 1124266 Principal office: All Saints Church Stanbridge Road Tilsworth Beds LU7 9PN Trustees: Mr T Thompson Mr N Taylor Mr A Hubbock Mr H Sproson Independent Examiner: Mervyn Thomas 128 Putnoe Lane Bedford, MK41 8LS Principal Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Advancement of Christianity in Bedfordshire and elsewhere. Relief of people in charitable need. To advance education both general and vocational for children and adults within the principles of the Christian faith. We long to see the area saturated with vibrant Christianity and all people enjoying the benefit and blessing of this. We believe the primary tool in building a local church is to be a blessing to its local community, Nation and World. The ‘fuel’ for this is a strong belief in biblical values and the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. A church that reaches out to others and encourages its members in local community engagement. The ultimate out-workings of this should affect every level of society and people from all backgrounds.
Our activities this year have included the following:
Advancement of Christianity. Sunday meetings online and in-person, midweek meetings with the possibility to join online too, social action, and community outreaches, engaging with other church leaders in a monthly prayer meeting.
Relief of people in need. Running the Bereavement Journey course. Launching Growbaby Dunstable, which gives away baby clothes and equipment to families in need of them, in partnership with another local church. Building community to help each other and others-through teaching and in small groups. Representation on Local Council Equalities Forum, active Street Pastors, strong support for the Food Bank, activities and events for the elderly in the community and assisting the council Severe Weather Emergency Provision for people who find themselves homeless. Praying for the sick. Teaching our people, a biblically-based, loving concern for our surrounding area and World
Education. Evangelism, school assemblies, youth programme, teaching each Sunday, training for staff and various courses, and marriage courses.
All the above events are facilitated by staff and several volunteers, many giving time, money, skills, energy and resources to help contribute to their success. We are very grateful for their contribution.
Page: 3
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Summary of achievements
A lot of what we do is a balance of building structure, encouraging people in our church and reaching out into the community to help others. Some of our activities are for people in our church and their primary goal is to equip and encourage people to go out into the community to help others whereas other activities are directly helping people around us.
Ongoing activities
SUNDAY MORNINGS. Through our Sunday meetings we have continued to encourage people to reach out to others and engage with their neighbourhoods and local community. This was especially shown in Food Bank initiatives and also the number of stories of people praying for people in need. We have continued to stream our meetings online for those in our congregation who cannot make it to the building and for those further afield to be able to join with us.
SMALL GROUPS. Key elements are to Love God, Love one another and Love others. We have continued with our daily online Bible study and have restarted weekly in person midweek meetings. We have also continued our 18-30s group online. The ladies breakfast has continued meeting at local coffee shops.
BAPTISMS . We believe in Believer’s Baptism, we had no baptisms this year.
YOUTH GROUP. Following Covid restrictions we have not yet restarted our youth group meetings but we hope to in the future.
CATALYST FESTIVAL. Did not occur this year.
COUNCIL EQUALITIES FORUM. We continued to give input to the council from a Christian perspective. Helping give voice to some of the neediest minorities in Central Bedfordshire and give compassionate input to the decision making process.
Special initiatives
TRAINING. We have spent time training people in using equipment and software to help with streaming meetings and for people to join in with online meetings. Encouraging Christians to engage in activity in their day to day life. Also received leadership input in regional Catalyst hubs.
Joint work with other organisations
This has been a significant way forward in reaching out; it enables us to do more together than we can apart. We have given a strong lead in the following involving staff and volunteers.
STREET PASTORS. This year street pastors did not operate locally but the team met online.
DUNSTABLE FOODBANK. We continue to help to financially support Foodbank.
GROWBABY DUNSTABLE. This year we launched Growbaby Dunstable in partnership with the Rock and Redeemer Vineyard Church.
Page: 4
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
DUNSTABLE PASTORS PRAYER. Continued to give leadership to this meeting which gathers leaders from 12 different churches and is focussed on Church Leaders supporting each other’s initiatives through prayer.
SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY PROVISION. We continued to join council meetings regarding homelessness online throughout the year.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Income generation
The church’s total income for the year was £36,462 (2023: £34,026).
Expenditures
Total expenditure was £36,869 (2023: £43,048).
Funds
Overall funds are £6,173 (202: £6,580).
Reserves policy
The church holds unrestricted and restricted funds. Transfers are made from unrestricted to restricted funds in order to prevent restricted funds from going into deficit.
Our policy for unrestricted funds is to maintain free reserves at a minimum level of 3 months of essential expenditures only. Currently, we are below this level and the elders’ plan to help replenish the reserves will be to take up special quarterly offerings this year and to reduce expenditure.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
We are part of the CATALYST NETWORK OF CHURCH (which is Part of NEWFRONTIERS) this links us with churches nationally and internationally. CATALYST is a network of Churches Internationally with a common set of values. This association helps us as a local church through training events and regular leadership meetings to be focused on reaching out to our community and the wider World. As a Trust, we operate our child protection policy through thirtyone:eight (formally known as CCPAS) and this involves training for trustees and also those involved in direct work with children, young people and vulnerable adults and advice should it be required.
Governing document
Hope Church South Bedfordshire Trust has a foundational trust document dated 17th December 2006.
Appointment of responsible individuals and elders
The Church is governed by its trustees, responsible individuals and Elders
Responsible Individuals and Elders are closely involved in the church’s operations prior to appointment and are appointed according to their ability to lead the church and the skills they bring to the post. Existing Responsible Individuals, Elders and new appointees have a good knowledge of the operation of the Church prior to appointment.
Responsible Individuals and Elders are aware of the legal requirements in connection with the charity.. New appointees are supported in their posts by existing appointees. New appointees are also provided with
Page: 5
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
latest financial statements and guidance from the Charity Commission, including the Charity Commission guide ‘The Essential Trustee’.
Risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the church is exposed, in particular those relating to the operations and finances of the church. The Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate their exposure to major risk.
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The Trustees/Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the trust and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the charities SORP They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES
Nigel Taylor Dated: 26 January 2025
Page: 6
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOPE CHURCH South Bedfordshire TRUST
on the accounts for the year to 31[st] March 2024 as set out on pages 8 – 13 in this document
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Independent examiner's statement
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
1) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act that have not been met; or
-
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
I do have concerns regarding the loss of Income the Charity has experienced over the last few years and have asked the trustees to consider what future plans are necessary to redress this.
Signed:
Mervyn Thomas 128 Putnoe Lane Bedford MK41 8LS
Dated: 06/06/2024
Page: 7
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
| STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL | ACTIVITIES | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending 31 March 2024 | Note | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | Total Funds |
| funds | funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | |||||
| Voluntary Income | 3 | 36,406 | 43 |
36,449 |
31,688 |
| Charitable Activities | 13 | - |
13 |
2,338 |
|
| Total income | 36,419 | 43 | 36,462 | 34,026 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Generating funds | 4 | 209 | - |
209 |
53 |
| Charitable activities | 36,615 | 45 |
36,660 |
42,995 |
|
| Total Expenditure | 36,824 | 45 | 36,869 | 43,048 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | (405) | (2) | (407) | (9,022) | |
| Transfers between funds | 7 | - | - |
- |
- |
| Net movement in funds | (405) | (2) | (407) | (9,022) | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 4,885 | 1,695 |
6,580 |
15,602 |
|
| Total funds carried forward | 4,480 | 1,693 | 6,173 | 6,580 |
(Continued)
Page: 8
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
| BALANCE SHEET | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Ending 31 March 2024 | Notes | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | Total Funds |
| funds | funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 5 | 2,190 | 2,190 | 373 |
|
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,684 | 1,693 |
4,377 |
6,601 |
|
| Total current assets | 4,874 | 1,693 | 6,567 | 6,974 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due | |||||
| within one year | 6 | (394) | - |
(394) |
(394) |
| Net current assets/(liabilities) | 4,480 | 1,693 | 6,173 | 6,580 | |
| Funds of the Charity | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | 7 | 4,480 | 4,480 | 4,885 |
|
| Restricted income funds | 7 | 1,693 | 1,693 |
1,695 |
|
| Total funds | 4,480 | 1,693 | 6,173 | 6,580 |
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
Page: 9
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 BASIS OF PREPARATION
1.1 Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:
the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable
and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). and with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
1.2 Going concern
The Charity is currently undergoing challenges to its income generation. Plans are in place to reduce expenditures accordingly.
1.3 Change of accounting policy
The accounts present a true and fair view and the accounting policies adopted are those outlined in note 2.
1.4 Changes to accounting estimates
No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period (3.46 FRS 102 SORP).
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the period.
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2011.
2.2 Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the church. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Transfers are made from unrestricted to restricted funds as necessary to prevent restricted funds from going into deficit.
2.3 Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the church becomes entitled to the income, it is more likely than not that it will receive the resources and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the SoFA when receivable. Grants are included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria above are met and in the case of performance-related grants income is recognised to the extent that the specified goods or services have been provided. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the church where this can be measured reliably. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. Investment income is included when received.
2.4 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT that cannot be fully recovered, which is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Page: 10
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the church (as a charitable company) and include the audit fees and costs linked to the church’s legal constitution.
2.5 Fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Equipment and fittings:
15% per annum on cost
2.6 Pension costs
Employees of the church are entitled to join a defined contribution pension scheme. The church contribution is limited to the contributions disclosed in note 3.
2.7 Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
2.8 Creditors
Creditors (including accruals) are recognised when due at the balance sheet date.
| 3 ANALYSIS OF INCOME | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income From: | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | Total Funds |
| funds | funds | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Voluntary Income | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Donations | 30,648 | 43 |
30,691 |
27,859 |
| Gift Aid | 5,758 | - |
5,758 |
3,829 |
| Total Voluntary Income | 36,406 | 43 | 36,449 | 31,688 |
| Charitable Activities | ||||
| Interest | 13 | 13 | 13 |
|
| Government Grants | - | - |
- |
2,325 |
| Total Charitable Activities | 13 | 13 | 2,338 | |
| Grand Total Incoming Resources | 36,419 | 43 | 36,462 | 34,026 |
Page: 11
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
| 4 ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | Total Funds | |
| funds | funds | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Expenditure on generating funds funds | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Website and Publicity | 209 | - |
209 |
53 |
| Total expenditure on generating funds | 209 | - | 209 | 53 |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | ||||
| Employee Salaries | 27,027 | - |
27,027 |
32,283 |
| Employee National insurance | - | - |
- |
|
| Pension Contributions | 2,752 | - |
2,752 |
2,762 |
| Administration Costs | 5,126 | 45 |
5,171 |
3,037 |
| Church Ministry | 450 | - |
450 |
1,971 |
| Donations | 1,260 | - |
1,260 |
1,260 |
| Total expenditure on charitable activities | 36,615 | 45 | 36,660 | 41,313 |
| Grand Total Expenditures | 36,824 | 45 | 36,869 | 41,366 |
4.3 Trustees Disclosures
Mr Taylor, a Trustee, receives remuneration as Pastor of the Church.
Mrs L Sproson, the wife of Mr H Sproson, a trustee is employed as Administrator of the Church. There are 2 employees.
No trustee has received expenses in connection with trustee-related matters.
| 5. Debtors | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Gift Aid Receivable | 2,190 | 373 |
| Total | 2,190 | 373 |
| 6. Creditors | 2023 | 2022 |
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals | 394 | 394 |
| Total | 394 | 394 |
Page: 12
HOPE CHURCH SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE TRUST TRUSTEES REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
7 Analysis of funds
7.1 Details of All Funds with movements during the CURRENT reporting period 2024
| Fund | Opening Balance | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Closing Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Church | 4,885 | 36,420 | (36,824) |
- |
4,480 |
| Total Unrestricted | 4,885 | 36,420 | (36,824) | - | 4,480 |
| Youth Events | 370 | - | - |
- |
370 |
| Hardship | 1,303 | - | - |
- |
1,303 |
| Church Lunches | 22 | 43 | (45) |
- |
20 |
| - | - | - |
- |
- |
|
| Total Restricted | 1,695 | 43 | (45) | - | 1,693 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 6,580 | 36,463 | (36,869) | - | 6,173 |
7. 2 Details of All Funds with movements during the PREVIOUS reporting period 2023
| Fund | Opening Balance | Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Closing Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Church | 12,524 | 33,801 | (41,439) |
- |
4,885 |
| Total Unrestricted | 12,524 | 33,801 | (41,439) | - | 4,885 |
| Youth Events | 370 | - | - |
- |
370 |
| Hardship | 2,708 | 165 | (1,570) |
- |
1,303 |
| Church Lunches | - | 60 | (38) |
- |
22 |
| Total Restricted | 3,078 | 225 | (1,608) | - | 1,695 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 15,602 | 34,026 | (43,047) | - | 6,580 |
Page: 13